New Year's Resolution

[GSDisciple]

As always, fantastic videos Steve. One of the big messages I take away from this is you don't need to spend 100's of thousands of dollars on a big rig and all the fruit to travel the outback safely. Just follow the 5 P's hey...........

JP

[Digger]

Hello Slackers,



Watch this space!

[Digger]

Hi Folks,

Usually, at this time of year, I would be cycle touring some far off land. Covid put a stop to that a couple of years ago. Now that world travel is more of a reality, it’s time to get back in the saddle.
I leave to cycle tour the Philippines in a few days’ time. The plan is to tour some of the Islands in the Visayas Region of the Philippines. I’ll be eligible for a 30 day Visa on arrival. You can keep up with my progress in real time by clicking on the Satellite Tracker link. The link should be active from about the 18th January. Link is here;

https://maps.findmespot.com/s/9439

See you on the other side!

Langkawi, Malayasia, 2018.

[Kots]

Steve,

Great to read you're getting back on the bike in some far off land. Looking forward to keeping an eye on your journey.

Kots

[Digger]

Cycle touring the Philippines.
Update - End of Day 4.

I must admit, it’s been tough going. It’s the humidity that floors you. I’ve been going thru 9 litres of fluid each day just to stay sufficiently hydrated. After arriving at Cebu City and spending 2 nights there to orientate myself I hit the road with a view to cover 40, 50 or 60km a day. Day two proved difficult because I had to head inland and that involved some ‘rolling’ country. My usual routine is to have a day of rest every 5th day or so to fatten up and air my nut sack. I am currently in Toledo and will catch a Ferry across to Negros on Monday morning to continuing touring that Island.
See captions below.

Like most major cities in SEAsia, the traffic is chaotic and yet it seems to work.



Why not? What makes your garden so special? Public urination is an accepted practice here.



I always travel with a mosquito net…



…and this is why! There’s some good O Neg right there.

To be cont…

[Digger]

Update Day 4 cont…


The Philippines are predominately a Christian Nation although some parts have a more radical approach.



Touring the Philippines comes with certain risks. This is the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. I plan to avoid those areas which are considered ‘Risky’.



A typical cemetery…stacked three high and not from the same family. Real estate for burial must be at a premium.



Some unusual signage…no driving half naked?



From here, I’ll board a Ferry and visit Negros to the West. I’ve covered 240km to date.

[Kots]

Great to see you’re doing what you love. Mate if some knuckleheads want to kidnap you they would be sorely disappointed. I think you do the most kms for the least $$$ of anyone around the world! They might learn rather quickly what Mongrel Dog translates to I guess. Perhaps this ride you might not want to act first and beg for forgiveness for at least the most obvious part of the trip.

If it’s any consolation it was the hottest day of summer in Perth today. Not sure how humid but seriously uncomfortable here today.

Enjoy the ride.

Kots

[Digger]

Hello Slackers….remember me?

Cycle Touring the Philippines.
Update - End of Day 9 In Country.
I’m starting to build up some resistance to the weather but it is still energy sapping. I’m just a ball of sweat as soon as I step outside. It’s that bad that I leave puddles every where I stand.
I crossed onto Negros ok and the pace is a little slower here…still chaotic; just a little slower. I will continue following the coastline until something else pricks my interest.
Distance covered - 295.4km.
See captions below.


While doing a recon of the Ticketing Office for the Ferry, it just started to persist down. I thought this was their winter, the dry season. The rain has no routine. Sometimes in the morning, other times late afternoon.



I suffer from separation anxiety when I can’t see the bike. I’m the same with the motorbikes when I travel the Outback. Sometimes, the Hotel staff allow me to take it into the room. Sometimes, I sneak it in after dark.



The bike is an off the shelf, 24 speed, Giant Talon. Nothing special. All I do is swap out the tyres for something more practical for the country that I’m touring. In this case, because I knew some of the roads would be dodgy, I fitted suitable road tyres that could take a beating.




The Filipino version of a Dual Sport. A scooter with Pirelli Scorpions fitted.

To be cont…

[Digger]

End of Day 9 cont…


My Ferry ticket…about $20AUD for me (in Business Class) and the bike.



Boarding the Ferry…the trip took about 1.5 hours.



The Manilla Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOGs) was doing a tour. Always remember, Chrome won’t get ya home!



The SPOT Tracker is not reliable in this part of the World. I’m not sure I would feel confident about using it as an EPIRB in this neck of the woods. Those ‘pings’ are supposed to be 10 mins apart.

To be cont…

[Digger]

End of Day 9 cont…


What I thought was an inland lake, was actually a solar farm on Negros. For the most part, each day has been overcast and cloudy.



Some of the rainfall has been widespread and heavy. I’m in the middle there somewhere.



Switchbacks…that can only mean one thing. Steep terrain!



The view from my Office window.

To be cont…

[Digger]

End of Day 9 cont…


Did I mention they are predominately a Christian Nation?



Sugar cane harvesting time here. The trucks that are loaded and unloaded do so off the road in the mud. They then transfer that mud onto the roads. After rain, the roads become quagmires. This is the result.



Sign courtesy of Elmer Fudd.


Over,
Out!

[Bozo]

Digger
With all that sweating only one appropriate meal!!

Bozo

[Bozo]

Digger
I see your obscure signs and raise you.

[Digger]

Don’t get me started….

[Digger]

Update - Cycle Touring the Philippines - End of Day 14 in Country
I continue Island hopping and are currently on Guiramas. I’m still in search for those perfect white Sandy beaches but are yet to find one. I may have better luck tomorrow after hiring a Scooter and start exploring. I have already considered the Logistics of getting back to Cebu, my point of departure, and may end up catching a Coach to cross one Island to save some time, misery and heartache.
Distance covered to date - 481.9 Km.
See captions below.


A Cockfighting Arena. I was curious about this nations attitude to Cockfighting. It is well and truly engrained in their culture. Some other Asian countries ban it (although condoned) but here it’s a real revenue earner for the Govt. During the pandemic Cockfighting went online and the Govt was able to regulate it with more control bring in $$$$$.




Did I mention that the Philippines is predominately a Christian country?



Before leaving Bacolod, I did a recon of the Bus Terminal to ensure forward travel back toward Cebu was possible. It was. There are lots of Coaches to help me cross the island in lieu of cycling for days on end.




I caught a Ferry to the next destination. Only problem was, it was the wrong Ferry. The language barrier plays more of a part when you get further in the Rural areas. This was Cattle Class (the only Class). Those seats are made from steel and were as comfortable as they looked.

Update Day 14 to be cont…